"Think'st thou I would risk myself and risk my lord again to come to thee and name thee monster?" Kate asks, her brows drawing down. "I, who have borne the name before? I tell thee, sir, I come because thou speakest sooth: 'tis of me that this coil is born, and as I am a lady -- as I am a Percy -- I will not shy from duty that comes with it."

She takes a deep breath. "If that be but to beg thy pardon, 'tis done. I crave it. But if I may help you -- as thou art my cousin in this -- then so I would."